Shows
The Turning Pro Podcast#092: He Built a $200m Portfolio Of Brands In 10 Years From $20kWhat actually breaks businesses when markets change? In this episode of the Turning Pro Podcast, Ben Sharf sits down with Roman Khan, founder of Peak21, for one of the most practical and in-depth conversations we’ve had on operating and scaling businesses through volatility. Roman shares the hard-earned lessons that reshaped how he thinks about growth, cash flow, and discipline, including the mistakes that nearly cost him a business.
2026-01-0858 min
Creative Got meHow This Founder Built a Personal Brand That Drives Customers, Investors & Hires | With Ben Sharf, Co-Founder of PlatterIn this episode of Creative Got Me, Priyaa Kalyanaraman sits down with Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, to unpack the strategy behind founder-led content and how showing up online transformed his business.We cover:✅ When Ben realized he had to become the face of his brand✅ The systems and people that support his content engine✅ How vulnerability builds trust (and why most founders avoid it)✅ Balancing authenticity with consistency and why cringey content doesn’t matter✅ Why his biggest customers, hires, and investors came from LinkedIn✅ How founder content plays into tru...
2025-07-301h 01
Mastering Tech GrowthZero Ad Spend, Maximum Growth: How Ben Sharf Built Platter Using Founder-Led ContentIf you're serious about scaling without relying on paid ads, this episode is for you. Today, Mike is joined by Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, creator of 160+ Shopify storefronts, angel investor, and host of Turning Pro. He breaks down how shifting from company marketing to founder-led storytelling can be your biggest growth hack.
Founders don’t win because their posts are perfect—or because they pour money into ads. They win because people buy from people, not logos. In 2025, founder-led content is the fastest, leanest way to build trust, drive growth, and scale—without breaking the bank. Ben shares how he did...
2025-05-2852 min
Mastering Tech GrowthZero Ad Spend, Maximum Growth: How Ben Sharf Built Platter Using Founder-Led ContentIf you're serious about scaling without relying on paid ads, this episode is for you. Today, Mike is joined by Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, creator of 160+ Shopify storefronts, angel investor, and host of Turning Pro. He breaks down how shifting from company marketing to founder-led storytelling can be your biggest growth hack. Founders don’t win because their posts are perfect—or because they pour money into ads. They win because people buy from people, not logos. In 2025, founder-led content is the fastest, leanest way to build trust, drive growth, and scale—without breaking the bank. Ben sha...
2025-05-2852 min
Talk CommercePlatter's All-in-One Solution Transforms E-commerce Profitability | Ben SharfIn this episode of Talk Commerce, Ben Sharf, CEO of Platter, discusses the innovative solutions his company offers to Shopify brands. He shares insights into the founding story of Platter, the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses, and the importance of simplifying technology to enhance customer experience. Ben emphasizes the need for brands to understand their customers and adapt to technological advancements to remain competitive in the evolving e-commerce landscape.TakeawaysPlatter aims to build profitable storefronts for Shopify brands.The company consolidates popular tools into one product suite.Ben's role involves unblocking team members and...
2025-05-2718 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#077: How Ben Buaron Bootstrapped Windmill Growth from Side Hustle to 7 FiguresBen Buaron, founder and CEO of Windmill Growth, joins us to unpack his incredible leap from Israeli combat officer and aspiring lawyer to running a 7-figure bootstrapped startup in New York City. In this episode, Ben breaks down how his military background shaped his leadership mindset, what it took to scale Windmill from zero to $1M+ ARR in under a year, and why personal growth became the foundation for business success.--- #EntrepreneurPodcast, #FounderAdvice, #BusinessGrowthTips, #Selfimprovement #Entrepreneurs #BusinessStrategies #PersonalDevelopment #Advice #TurningProPodcast #BenSharf #AdrianAlfieri #Podcast #Founder #Growth
2025-04-1759 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#077: How Ben Buaron Bootstrapped Windmill Growth from Side Hustle to 7 FiguresBen Buaron, founder and CEO of Windmill Growth, joins us to unpack his incredible leap from Israeli combat officer and aspiring lawyer to running a 7-figure bootstrapped startup in New York City. In this episode, Ben breaks down how his military background shaped his leadership mindset, what it took to scale Windmill from zero to $1M+ ARR in under a year, and why personal growth became the foundation for business success. 00:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ben Buaron, Founder & CEO of Windmill Growth 00:10:30 – Redefining Purpose: Realizing he had to live life on his own terms 00...
2025-04-1059 min
The Ecommerce Lab By EcomcyEP #299] [ENG] - Top strategies to maximise your D2C store conversions - Ben SharfWelcome to the eCommerce Lab Podcast! 🎯 Do you want to take your D2C store conversions to the next level? This episode is for you.In this special edition, we feature Ben Sharf, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Platter, an innovative platform that is revolutionizing the way brands optimize their conversion funnels. With extensive experience helping direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands scale their results, Ben shares his insights on the most effective strategies for converting visitors into loyal buyers.Whether you're just starting out or already have a store up and running, this video is ful...
2025-04-0724 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#076: How Jacob Catalano Went from Snapchat to Joining the AI Gold RushJacob Catalano, founder and entrepreneur, knows what it takes to push boundaries in tech and entrepreneurship. After selling his first startup to Snapchat, where he worked on game-changing projects like "My AI", Jacob co-founded Flock*, a product studio revolutionizing content creation with conversational AI. Their flagship product, dubbed an “AI ghostwriter,” helps users express their ideas effortlessly through natural dialogue.In this episode, Jacob opens up about iterating on startup ideas, building a dynamic partnership with his co-founder, and the lessons from Snapchat that shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. He also dives into early-stage investing, balancing vision with...
2025-04-0355 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#075: How Alex Song Built Proxima and Raised $12M Solving DTC’s Biggest ProblemAlex Song, founder and CEO of Proxima, joins us to share his remarkable journey from the high-stakes world of finance to revolutionizing customer acquisition with cutting-edge data intelligence. Drawing from his experience as a DTC brand operator, Alex built Proxima into a transformative platform that helps brands navigate the complexities of the post-iOS privacy landscape. In this episode, Alex opens up about the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the key decisions that shaped his leadership style, and the hard-won lessons on resilience. He shares how he inspires his team with a unified vision, maintains momentum through...
2025-03-271h 01
The Turning Pro Podcast#074: The Secret to Raising Millions: Insider Tips from VC Taylor BrandtTaylor Brandt, newly appointed Partner at Headline, joins us to unpack the nuances of venture capital through the lens of an operator-turned-investor. With a career that spans leading growth at Rockets of Awesome to navigating the challenges of early-stage VC, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. In this episode, Taylor discusses the shifting dynamics of the VC landscape, the traits of founders who succeed, and the art of balancing portfolio management with sourcing new deals. She also dives into the value of storytelling, the importance of understanding venture capital as an asset class, and the evolving...
2025-03-201h 12
The Turning Pro Podcast#073: How Brian Von Ancken Built a Thriving Wellness Growth Network—While Prioritizing FatherhoodBrian Von Ancken, founder of Wellness Growth Mastermind, joins us to share how he is building a game-changing community for wellness leaders. As the founder of the number-one member network for wellness professionals, Brian focuses on giving businesses an edge through curated connections, expert feedback, and unparalleled access to industry insights. In this episode, he dives into how he balances family and entrepreneurship, the trends redefining wellness today, and why intentional routines are essential for success. Brian also opens up about the strength in vulnerability, the value of authentic connections, and how building thriving communities can drive meaningful growth.
2025-03-1352 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#072: How Nico Ferreyra Left College, Crashed a Hacker House, and Built DefaultMeet Nico Ferreyra, co-founder and CEO of Default, the "Costco of go-to-market SaaS." Nico is on a mission to simplify inbound tooling for RevOps and marketing teams. Born in Argentina, he worked his way through the startup worlds of San Francisco and New York, bringing a unique perspective to the challenges of building a company. In this episode, Nico shares his approach to transitioning from founder-led sales to scalable growth strategies. He discusses fundraising without a pitch deck, the power of storytelling in early-stage growth, and the key moments that shaped his journey.
2025-02-2746 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#071: How Patrick Cleary Left a $1B Unicorn to Build Paul Street into a Top Growth AgencyPatrick Cleary, President and Co-Founder of Paul Street and a key member of the founding team at Wayflyer, shares his journey of building two transformative businesses. From driving partnerships and growth strategies at Wayflyer to scaling Paul Street into a leading affiliate-focused marketing agency, Patrick has helped redefine how brands grow and scale. In this episode, Patrick unpacks lessons from building a sustainable business, balancing profitability with growth, and leveraging the power of compounding networks. He reflects on his "Turning Pro" moment, hosting Paul Street’s first team offsite with over 20 employees, a milestone that symbolizes the company’s rapi...
2025-02-2051 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#070: How Brett Harrison Scaled Roomie to 175K+ Users With No Paid AdsBrett Harrison, co-founder and CEO of Roomie and Eepy, is transforming dorm living for students and universities. His entrepreneurial journey began with Eepy, upgrading dorm beds for comfort, and evolved into Roomie, which offers 3D models to help students plan their spaces effectively. In this episode, Brett discusses scaling a niche SaaS business, Roomie’s equity initiative to improve sleep quality for low-income students, and the resilience needed to succeed in challenging industries. He draws a compelling analogy between entrepreneurship and surfing, highlighting persistence, focus, and balance as essential lessons for founders.
2025-02-1359 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#069: How Alex Ikonn Went from Fired Banker to Shopify Mogul and BeyondAlex Ikonn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Intelligent Change, the company behind globally renowned tools like The Five Minute Journal and the Productivity Planner, designed to inspire intentional and fulfilling lives. Before that, Alex co-founded Luxy Hair, one of Shopify’s early success stories, which he scaled and successfully exited in 2018. From humble immigrant beginnings in Canada to building global brands, Alex’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of self-reflection. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his success, including his approach to scaling Luxy Hair with a lifestyle-first mindset and creating purp...
2025-02-061h 15
The Turning Pro Podcast#068: How Rohit Bhadange Went From Wall Street to Raising $10M to Build ZampRohit Bhadange, co-founder and CEO of Zamp, shares his journey from the structured world of Wall Street to the dynamic tech startup scene. In founding Zamp, a tax compliance solution for e-commerce and SaaS businesses, Rohit combines his investment expertise with a passion for problem-solving in the compliance space. In this episode, Rohit delves into the initial challenges and key learnings from the early stages of Zamp, discussing the importance of founder-led sales, hands-on customer acquisition, and building relationships. He touches on his approach to network management and partnerships, revealing how a personal touch in interactions can yield long-term...
2025-01-3053 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#067: How Brett Perlmutter Built Bulletpitch to 100K+ Subscribers in 2 YearsBrett Perlmutter, founder and CEO of Bulletpitch, has crafted a distinctive path in venture media by blending investment with media-driven platforms. Drawing inspiration from the media strategies of top VCs, Brett identified a unique opportunity to foster connections between founders and investors by creating an innovative ecosystem around Bulletpitch. With its weekly newsletter and well-curated events, Bulletpitch rapidly grew, attracting over 100,000 subscribers eager for the next big opportunity. In this episode, Brett dives into the foundational strategy behind Bulletpitch, revealing how he bridges the gap between investment and media. He discusses the platform’s evolution, his approach to partnerships, an...
2025-01-2349 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#066: How Matt Rosenfeld Grew CRUSH By Saying NoMatt Rosenfeld, founder and CEO of CRUSH, has built a unique Amazon-focused agency that’s distinguishing itself in a crowded digital marketplace. With an eye for strategic growth and a commitment to transparency, Matt has led CRUSH to become a boutique agency dedicated to helping brands optimize their Amazon presence while prioritizing client relationships. In this episode, Matt delves into the nuances of running a service-oriented business, including the importance of choosing the right clients and fostering trust through transparent communication. He shares how CRUSH has evolved from a solo venture into a team of 22, as well as the le...
2025-01-161h 00
The Turning Pro Podcast#065: How Samantha Coxe Raised $4M to Build FlausSamantha Coxe, founder and CEO of Flaus, shares her journey from corporate law to disrupting the dental care industry with a groundbreaking new invention. Driven by her experience as a self-admitted reluctant flosser, Samantha identified a need for a more accessible flossing solution, especially for individuals with limited dexterity or visual impairments. This insight led her to create Flaus - an electric flosser. In this episode, Samantha reflects on her experience as a female founder in a male-dominated field, navigating “queen bee syndrome” and championing other women in business. She shares the highs and lows of building a hardware star...
2025-01-091h 10
The Turning Pro Podcast#064: How Michael Chernow Went From Rock Bottom to $4M in 12 MonthsMichael Chernow is the entrepreneurial force behind Kreatures of Habit and the Meatball Shop. Growing up in the heart of New York City, Michael faced early challenges, including a turbulent family life and the allure of nightlife, leading to a struggle with substance abuse. Following a near-fatal overdose, he committed to sobriety with the help of a mentor who introduced him to Muay Thai kickboxing. In this episode, Michael opens up about how martial arts and a regimented lifestyle set him on the path to becoming a successful restaurateur and founder of a wellness brand that embodies his passion...
2024-12-191h 20
The Turning Pro Podcast#063: How Cyrus Shirazi’s Obsession Built Haven to $1.5M in Under a YearCyrus Shirazi, founder and CEO of Haven, is revolutionizing the accounting and finance landscape for startups with a customer-first approach. By focusing on building an obsessively responsive company, Cyrus has created a horizontal platform that serves the comprehensive tax, finance, and accounting needs of businesses, not just in the U.S. but across English-speaking countries. In this episode of Turning Pro, Cyrus discusses his journey from early-stage startup experiences to leading Haven, a profitable business that’s scaling fast. He shares his insights on the importance of speed, obsession, and surrounding yourself with high-energy, ambitious individuals. He also dives in...
2024-12-1247 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#062: How Liv Schreiber Created a 60,000+ Community by Never Ignoring a DMLiv Schreiber, founder of Hot and Social, Camp Social, and Brand Cafe, has made a name for herself by creating spaces where people connect and build authentic relationships. With a community of over 60,000 people, Liv’s work centers on curating events where strangers leave as friends, from exclusive New York City gatherings to transformative adult sleepaway camps. In this episode of Turning Pro, Liv dives into the hustle behind running multiple ventures, managing influencer partnerships, and staying true to herself amidst the chaos. She shares insights on balancing work with personal life, overcoming adversity, and maintaining authenticity on social me...
2024-12-0555 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#061: How Shlomit Malka Went from Model to CEO of HappShlomit Malka, co-founder and CEO of Happ, transitioned from a decade-long career in modeling to launching a platform designed to empower creative freelancers. After experiencing the limitations of the creative industry firsthand, Shlomit and her team built Happ to streamline the business side of freelancing, helping creatives manage contracts, payments, and project milestones while staying in their creative flow. In this episode of Turning Pro, Shlomit shares her personal and professional transformation, including how the COVID-19 pandemic and her move to New York sparked a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. She reflects on the importance of following intuition, the...
2024-11-281h 07
The Turning Pro Podcast#060: How John Sampogna Turned 13 Years of Agency Leadership Into Next-Level GrowthJohn Sampogna, Co-Founder and CEO of Wondersauce, has built one of the most respected digital agencies by recognizing opportunities for service expansion and staying hyper-focused on client needs. Founded on the principle of transparent communication and consistent delivery, Wondersauce has grown by incubating new services and scaling its offerings organically to meet market demands. In this episode of Turning Pro, John shares how Wondersauce has evolved from its early days to competing with top-tier agencies for major clients. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of scaling a service business, and his approach to maintaining personal...
2024-11-2137 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#059: How Ellis Fried Went from Snack Brand Founder to Health-Focused InvestorEllis Fried, Vice President at Vanterra Ventures, made the leap from founding a health-focused snack brand to becoming an investor in the consumer health space. After studying economics at the University of Michigan and launching SMPL, Ellis shifted to venture capital. In this episode of Turning Pro, Ellis discusses his transition from founder to investor, offering insights into the skills required to succeed in both roles. He reflects on how his operational experience shapes his current work, supporting founders in sectors like branded products and digital health.
2024-11-1455 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#058: How Colm Mackin and Helen Reavey Raised $2.5M and Grew a Scalp-Care BrandColm Mackin, Co-Founder of Act+Acre, has redefined the hair wellness space by focusing on the often-overlooked importance of scalp health. Originally from Ireland, Colm and his wife, Helen Reavey, launched Act+Acre in 2019, pioneering a new approach to hair care that prioritizes nourishing and balancing the scalp. In this episode of Turning Pro, Colm shares how their innovative brand has grown from its inception to being featured in over 300 Sephora stores across the U.S. He also reflects on his journey from a 14-year career in law and corporate finance to becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty and...
2024-11-071h 06
The Turning Pro Podcast#057: How a DM Sparked the Launch of Keychain: Startup Tips from Founder Jordan WeitzJordan Weitz, co-founder of Keychain, turned his deep-rooted passion for consumer products into an innovative platform that streamlines the connection between brands and manufacturers. Fueled by his own experience with celiac disease, Jordan became obsessed with the consumer products space, eventually identifying a major gap in how brands find manufacturing partners. This insight led to the creation of Keychain, a marketplace designed to revolutionize the CPG industry. In this episode, Jordan discusses how he leveraged his unique expertise to build confidence and drive the company forward. He also delves into the personal adjustments he's made to maintain balance, including...
2024-10-3149 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#056: The $50M Exit: Aaron Spivak’s No-BS Lessons on Business, Life, and Crushing SuccessAaron Spivak, co-founder of Hush, has achieved remarkable success by combining innovation, persistence, and a relentless drive. Hush, a company known for its weighted blankets, faced a major downturn early on, but Aaron’s decision to directly engage with customers revealed a key product flaw: excessive heat. This insight led to the creation of a cooling weighted blanket, a move that propelled the company from near failure to a $50 million business. In this episode, Aaron discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and his commitment to personal growth through therapy. He emphasizes the po...
2024-10-241h 03
The Turning Pro Podcast#055: How Crossnet's Chris Meade Turned a $7k Gamble into the World’s First Four-Way Volleyball GameChris Meade, Co-Founder of Crossnet, shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating the world’s first four-way volleyball net. Starting with just $7,000 from his 401k, Chris hustled on Miami beaches, gradually scaling his business despite having no prior manufacturing experience. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing financial discipline and the importance of finding happiness in the simple things. In this episode, Chris also discusses the impact of losing his father at a young age, which motivated him to succeed. He introduces the Founders Club, a community designed to help entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes he made, highlighting th...
2024-10-1739 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#054: $7 Million Raised, 30 Years of Stigma Broken: How Create’s Dan McCormick is Rebranding Creatine Dan McCormick, founder and CEO of Create, is transforming the creatine market by rebranding the supplement for a broader audience. Originally stigmatized as a steroid, creatine is now being positioned by Create as a safe, everyday nutrient beneficial for all ages. Dan shares how the company overcame early challenges, refining its product to become a leader in the space. In this episode, Dan discusses working closely with his fiancée, the strategic decisions behind Create's growth, and the importance of maintaining focus in the ecommerce space. He also offers insights into the current landscape for DTC brands and the c...
2024-10-101h 14
The Turning Pro Podcast#053: Balancing YouTube Fame and Brewing a $1M Brand: Brett Conti on His Next Big MoveBrett Conti, a YouTuber and entrepreneur, joins us in the studio to discuss his diverse journey in content creation and business. Known for his travel and business-focused YouTube content, Brett shares insights into his latest venture—a public journey to build a $1 million D2C tea brand. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's passions and the sacrifices he's made, including forgoing a traditional career path. In this episode, Brett reflects on the challenges of balancing travel, content creation, and business while maintaining personal routines. He also shares stories of perseverance, such as taking over a decade to...
2024-10-031h 08
The Turning Pro Podcast#052: From New York to Hong Kong: How Michael De Santis Scaled Doris Dev to SuccessMichael De Santis, Managing Director of Doris Dev, leads a company that specializes in innovative product design and development, helping consumer brands bring their concepts to life. With teams in New York and Hong Kong, Doris Dev manages everything from initial design to supply chain setup, working with both emerging and established brands, including successes like the Canopy humidifier. In this episode, Michael shares his journey from finance to the consumer product industry, discussing the challenges of scaling a business in the evolving ecommerce landscape. He emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to product development and Doris Dev’s...
2024-09-2647 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#051: How a $50M Business Cut Shipping Costs by $250K Using ShipPlug – Nick DiNatale Tells AllNick DiNatale, founder of ShipPlug, is transforming the logistics industry by automating refund processes for high-volume shippers. Leveraging his industry experience, Nick spotted a market gap for a service that recovers funds from shipping errors without adding extra work or costs for companies. Since starting ShipPlug, Nick has grown the team from four to 26 members, focusing on educating clients and building trust to overcome initial skepticism. In this episode, Nick shares insights on scaling a bootstrapped business, the evolving role of leadership, and the influence of his hardworking single mother. He also highlights the importance of simplifying complex problems...
2024-09-1951 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#050: How to Find the Next $1 Billion Brand – Insider Tips from Alex Malamatinas Alex Malamatinas, founder of Melitas Ventures, has made a notable impact in venture capital by investing in early-stage consumer brands. With a finance and hedge fund background, Alex combines analytical skills with a passion for guiding founders through the challenges of building successful companies. In this episode, He shares his journey from finance to becoming a leading investor in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. He discusses his investment philosophy, highlighting the importance of resilience and vision in founders and the role of early traction in assessing potential. Alex also reflects on the CPG market’s evolution, the balance be...
2024-09-1245 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#049: Andrew Rea’s Playbook: Going Viral, Launching New York Tech Week, & Founding TaxwireAndrew Rea, founder of Taxwire, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the challenges in sales tax compliance for e-commerce and software companies. With a background in early-stage startups, Andrew has leveraged his expertise to create a company that simplifies the complexities of operating across multiple states and countries. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from a religious upbringing in Ohio to becoming a tech entrepreneur in New York City. He discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, the value of hiring top talent, and the lessons learned from his past ventures. Andrew also highlights the...
2024-09-051h 01
The Turning Pro Podcast#048: Dan Freed’s $13.5M Triumph: Turning ADHD Struggles into Nootropics SuccessDan Freed, co-founder of Thesis, has emerged as a pioneering force in the wellness space by developing personalized supplements designed to enhance cognitive function. His journey is marked by overcoming early challenges, such as an ADHD diagnosis at six and dropping out of high school at sixteen. After years of working in elite kitchens, including a Michelin-three-star restaurant in France, Dan discovered his passion for brain-enhancing compounds while pursuing higher education. This led him to co-found Thesis, a company that recently secured $13.5 million in funding. In this episode, we dive into Dan’s extraordinary path from a troubled youth to...
2024-08-291h 03
The Turning Pro Podcast#047: The $1 Billion Community: Inside Jay Wright’s Ecom RevolutionJay Wright, founder of Ecommerce Equation, is a dynamic entrepreneur who has carved out a unique niche in the ecommerce world. With a background in finance and a talent for scaling businesses, Jay's journey began with the co-founding of Search Insights, Australia's leading ecommerce digital marketing agency. Today, he focuses on empowering ecommerce founders by helping them build in-house capabilities and navigating the complex landscape of online retail with an emphasis on sustainable growth. In this episode, Jay shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, from the highs of launching products that rapidly scale to seven figures to the challenges...
2024-08-221h 00
The Turning Pro Podcast#046: 10 Years, 36 Million Bottles: How Fair Harbor Turned Ocean Trash into Swimwear TreasureCaroline Danehy, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Fair Harbor, is making waves in the fashion industry with her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2014 while she was still in high school, Fair Harbor, based in New York, specializes in creating stylish and eco-friendly swimwear and apparel from recycled plastic bottles. Alongside her brother, Jake, Caroline has driven the company’s mission to reduce oceanic plastic waste by transforming it into high-quality clothing. In this episode, we explore Caroline’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the brand. Caroline shares the brand’s origin story, highlighting their childhood summer...
2024-08-1546 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#045: How Sexologist Alexandra Fine Took $575k in Crowdfunding and Turned it into a Buzzing DynastyAlex Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame Products, has been a transformative figure in the sexual wellness industry since the company's inception in 2014. Founded alongside Janet Lieberman, Dame emerged from a need to create better sexual wellness products designed specifically for women. Under her leadership, Dame aims to close the pleasure gap and destigmatize sexuality through thoughtful, innovative product design, empowering people to prioritize their sexual health. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dame Products from its entrepreneurial beginnings to becoming a notable name in the industry. Alex shares the strategic decisions that have driven...
2024-08-0850 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#044: How Nishal Kumar Turned $30K into a Wellness EmpireNishal Kumar, Founder and CEO of No Days Wasted (NDW), is revolutionizing the wellness industry with innovative solutions for recovery and well-being. Since launching in 2017, Nishal has been committed to creating science-backed supplements that help individuals recover faster from alcohol consumption and maintain an active lifestyle. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey behind NDW's rise to success. Nishal shares the story of the company's entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic decisions that have driven their growth, and their recent achievement of launching in Walmart stores nationwide. He also discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development and...
2024-08-0154 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#043: $4.8 Billion Sale: How Ryan Lewendon Closed the Coke Deal and What Happened NextRyan Lewendon, co-founder of Giannuzzi Lewendon LLP, is at the forefront of legal services for emerging consumer brands. Since establishing the firm with Nicholas Giannuzzi in 2011, he has played a pivotal role in guiding high-growth companies through complex legal landscapes. With a client list boasting household names like Vitaminwater and BodyArmor, Ryan's expertise has been instrumental in their rapid growth and successful exits. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story behind the company’s ascent to prominence. Ryan discusses the firm’s entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic moves that have cemented their reputation, and the dynamic relationships they've built with...
2024-07-2546 min
Subscription Prescription | Weekly Doses to Boost Ecommerce RevenueBuild Better Website Experiences | An Interview with Ben SharfBen Sharf is the cofounder of Platter, a Shopify theme designed to eliminate unnecessary plugins and build a better purchase experience online. In this week's dose, we sit down to talk website experience, the Shopify ecosystem, and how you can deliver more for less online.Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sharf-b554a5b3/Don't forget to subscription to our weekly newsletter: https://thesubscriptiondoc.com
2024-07-2329 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#042: Jeff Truong's $30M Venture Fund Journey: This is How He Does ItJeff Truong, Founder and Managing Partner of Broadway Venture Partners, is at the forefront of early-stage venture capital, focusing on the future of commerce. His transition from seasoned venture capitalist to launching his own $30 million fund is empowering and educational. In this episode, we explore the fascinating story behind Broadway Venture Partners’ inception and growth. Jeff shares how he overcame fundraising challenges and built meaningful relationships with investors and entrepreneurs. Jeff's journey highlights the value of perseverance and visionary thinking in venture capital.
2024-07-1849 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#041: From Predicting Cardi B Hits to Raising $10M in Funding: Michael True's Journey in AIMichael True, co-founder and CEO of Prescient AI, is leading a transformative startup that is redefining data science and marketing analytics. His journey from a corporate tech role at IBM to heading a rapidly expanding company is both compelling and insightful, showcasing his relentless drive for innovation and success. In this episode, we look into the captivating story behind Prescient AI's inception and development. Michael shares how he navigated the numerous challenges of early-stage startups while balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.
2024-07-1156 min
The One Percent PodcastEp. 61 - Ben Sharf - Leaning Into Failure, Struggles Of Being An Entrepreneur, Finding FulfillmentWhat's going on, 1% Fam! Welcome back to another episode of The One Percent Podcast. In this week, episode I sit down with Ben Sharf. Ben is the co-founder of Platter. Platter is a toolkit for increasing profitability on your Shopify store. He has worked with notable companies such as Kaged, Bleacher Report, and Open Store. He is also the co-host of Turning Pro Podcast. Ben has accumulated close to 30k followers on Instagram. In this episode, we discuss leaning into failure to propel you to success, the struggles that come with being an entrepreneur, and finding fulfillment in what...
2024-07-0750 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#040: From Basement to Boardroom: Eli Taylor-Lemire on how POSH raised $31MEli Taylor-Lemire is the co-founder and CPO of POSH, a software product for live experiences that has raised $31 million in funding to date. Eli's journey from college dropout to leading a successful company is both inspiring and insightful, showcasing his ventures in video production and coding, as well as his ability to navigate the challenges of scaling a startup during a pandemic. In this episode, we uncover the compelling story behind POSH's founding and growth, exploring how Eli navigated the challenges of early-stage startups. Join us for an in-depth conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring anecdotes from Eli's...
2024-07-0456 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#039: How to Build Successful Brands: Emmett Shine Shares His Creative Process and Business InsightsEmmett Shine is an innovative entrepreneur and designer known for his unique approach to brand building and creative direction. As the co-founder of Gin Lane, Pattern Brands, and Little Plains, he has transformed the landscape of digital and physical products through his exceptional vision and dedication.In this episode of Turning Pro, we explore Emmett's fascinating journey from the early days of Gin Lane to his latest ventures. Emmett shares insights on his creative process, the importance of surrounding yourself with talented individuals, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. We delve into how Emmett balances creativity with...
2024-06-2751 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#038: How a $6M Contract Unleashed a New Level of Biohacking: Ketone-IQ’s Michael Brandt Tells AllMichael Brandt is the co-founder and CEO of Ketone-IQ, an innovative startup that transitioned from a niche biohacker concept to a renowned brand in the health and wellness sector after signing a $6 million contract with the US Department of Defense.In this episode, we delve into Michael's remarkable journey from creating the world’s first ketone shot to partnering with the Tour de France-winning cycling team, Visma. We uncover how Ketone-IQ expanded its reach and how this CEO made the ultimate leap from tech to nutrition thanks to his passion for human performance and development.
2024-06-2056 min
Name DropBen Sharf: The Do’s and Don'ts of Business Development: Insights, Strategies, and How They Can Apply to YouJoin Molly Baker, Founder of Indie Consulting, and Ben Sharf, Co-Founder of Platter, as they dive into all things Business Development. From professional thoughts for the day to his definition and approach to BD, and common mistakes in the field, Ben shares his thoughts on the 'salesperson' stereotype and how to form influential relationships. We also explore the challenges of building a remote team and the biggest opportunities ahead for Platter. Tune in for an insightful episode!
2024-06-1942 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#037: Ryan Chen & Kent Yoshimura - NeuroGum’s $10M Bet on the Future of HealthRyan Chen and Kent Yoshimura are the Co-Founders of NeuroGum, an LA-based wellness brand that sells clinically studied nootropics to help people feel more energized, focused, and calm.In this episode, the NeuroGum team unpacks their own Turning Pro moments while scaling the health brand, how they’ve managed to overcome major obstacles and hurdles, and why more founders should remember to celebrate wins at every stage of their company’s growth journey.
2024-06-0641 min
Where DOOH Meets AdTechBuilding for Exit:Transitioning Your Agency to a SaaS Company with Ben Sharf, Co-Founder of PlatterWe sit down with Ben Sharf, Co-Founder of Platter, to discuss making the leap from being an Agency to becoming a SaaS. 🎧 Episode Highlights:Taking The Leap: Discover what made Ben turn down a lucrative consulting job just 12 hours before his first day to join an early-stage COVID testing startup that scaled to $50 million in revenue in just five months.Identifying Pain Points: Platter started as an e-commerce agency. Ben shares how they identified recurring pain points in the Shopify ecosystem and turned them into a productized sol...
2024-06-0634 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#036: Jacklyn Dallas - Tactics to Scale YouTube to 200K+ SubscribersJacklyn Dallas is the Founder & CEO of NothingButTech, one of the fastest growing media companies in the world that focuses on consumer tech trends. As the platform’s audience has grown, Jacklyn has hosted 1-on-1 interviews with tech giants like Google CEO Sundar Pichai.In this episode, we get an inside look at Jacklyn’s content workflow, how creators and founders can find their unique voices, and her personal tactics to blend creativity and entrepreneurship.
2024-05-3057 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#035: Peter Kang - 18+ Years of Agency Lessons Learned at BarrelPeter Kang is the Co-Founder & CEO at Barrel, a creative and digital marketing agency in New York City that specializes in designing digital experiences for consumer brands. Before launching Barrel, Peter worked on Wall Street as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers.In this episode, we discuss the highs and lows of agency life, the importance of team support when things aren’t going right, and Peter’s lessons learned from running Barrel for 18 years.
2024-05-2341 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#034: John Coyle - Triple Whale’s $14 Billion Shopify OpportunityJohn Coyle is the Head of Professional Services at Triple Whale, a rapidly growing e-comm infra startup building the operating system for Shopify brands. Before joining Triple Whale, John was the CMO for Team Strategery and Ander, and the founder of Explosive Growth Marketing.In this episode, we get an inside look at John’s relentless growth mindset, making the jump from a founder to an employee, and the ROI in authenticity and storytelling for content creation.
2024-05-1657 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#033: Noah Tucker - Inside Social Snowball’s Insane Growth (2,000+ Brands)Noah Tucker is the Founder & CEO at Social Snowball, an affiliate & referral marketing platform driving millions in revenue for over 2,000 brands like Solawave, Obvi, and Javy Coffee.In this episode, we cover Noah’s journey scaling his company as a non-technical founder, challenges faced when starting a business solo, and the highs and lows of rapid growth.
2024-05-0953 min
The Turning Pro Podcast #032: Drew Marconi - Navigating the Future of DTC Profit OptimizationDrew Marconi is the Co-Founder & CEO at Intelligems, a profit optimization platform built for ecommerce brands like OpenStore, Branch, Obvi, and many more. Before launching Intelligems, Drew served the VP of Marketplace Ops at Via where he built out their data analytics function.In this episode, we dive deep into the value of coaching in personal and professional growth, transitioning from reactive to proactive communication, signing and closing million-dollar brands, and designing Intelligems’ GTM and demand gen content playbooks.
2024-05-0259 min
Secrets To Scaling Your Ecommerce BrandEp 550: Don't Pay 50K For That Website (Before You Listen To This!) with Ben Sharf, PlatterSend us a textChallenges facing agencies and brands in the e-commerce world. From the impact of app usage on website performance to the importance of ethical business practices, we explore the secrets to success.In this episode, Jordan West and Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, they get into the challenges and misalignments in the e-commerce industry, particularly in relation to app usage, pricing, and improving cost-effectiveness for brand owners. Ben shares his perspective on ethical agency practices and the unique solutions offered by Platter to address these industry issues.
2024-04-2633 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#031: David J. Sitt - Building the Next Billion-Dollar Fulfillment BrandDavid J. Sitt is the Founder & CEO of Ship Essential, one of the fastest growing e-commerce fulfillment partners in the country. Based in New York City, Ship Essential partners with major consumer brands like Madhappy, Atoms, Cadence, Lechery, Brunch, and many more.In this episode, we unpack David’s lessons on balancing work and family life, building a business model focused on fast delivery and best-in-class customer service, scaling Ship Essential from its origins in Brooklyn basement spaces, and his own Turning Pro journey.
2024-04-2543 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#030: Q&A with Adrian & Ben - Million-Dollar Delegation MistakesIn our third Q&A episode, we dive into tactical lessons on team delegation (who, not how), mistakes we’ve made in the sales and closing process, running effective offsites with our extended remote teams, and why leads ghost during negotiation stages.
2024-04-1830 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#029: Cael Schwartz - Life Lessons from Barstool’s $550 Million AcquisitionCael Schwartz runs growth and brand at Mugsy, a fast-growing Shopify brand that is redefining men's clothes for the modern guy. Before joining Mugsy, Cael was the Head of Consumer Brand Strategy at Barstool Sports and the Head of Product & Growth at Birddogs. In this episode, we unpack how Cael prioritizes authenticity in content creation, building in public within the e-commerce community on Twitter, crazy life lessons learned from working at Barstool Sports, and the unpredictable nature of job security in the startup world.
2024-04-111h 02
The Turning Pro Podcast#028: Zach Hamed - Clay’s Million-Dollar Vision for the Future of NetworksZach Hamed is the Founder & Co-CEO at Clay, a venture-backed startup that enables folks to manage all of their personal and professional relationships – all from a single dashboard. Since launching officially in 2021, the team has raised over $8M from leading investors to fuel growth.In this episode, we cover how Zach approaches his personal relationship-building in both business and life, the outsized ROI on maintaining connections as careers progress, and how entrepreneurs and founders can improve their ability to identify and foster key relationships.
2024-04-0446 min
The Turning Pro Podcast #027: Q&A with Adrian & Ben: Delegation Playbooks for First-Time FoundersIn our second Q&A episode, we dive deep on how first-time founders can tactically improve their delegation skills (and the biggest mistakes we’ve made), Ben’s time management best practices to boost productivity, and why founders need to spend 80% of their time on their core strengths.
2024-03-2828 min
Unlike Me#135 Ben SharfBen Sharf is an entrepreneur and the founder of Platter - a toolkit for increasing profitability on your Shopify store. On this episode we talk about how he almost died, the unglamorous realities of an entrepreneur, and how he aims to one day sell Platter.
2024-03-2753 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#026: Matt Smolin - Raising Millions to Build the Future of DTC LoyaltyMatt Smolin is the Founder & CEO at Hang, a radically new type of loyalty experience for ecommerce brands around the world. Since launching, Matt has raised more than $10M in funding to fuel loyalty for brands like Bleacher Report, Asics, Qalo, Madhappy, and many more.In this episode, we cover Matt’s tactical advice for finding investors and raising capital, his own ups and downs while hacking on early iterations of Hang, and why he swapped LA for New York City as the future home of his company – and why he’d never go back.
2024-03-2247 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#025: Q&A with Adrian & Ben: Real-Time Lessons From 25+ EpisodesIn our first Q&A episode, we dive deep on our biggest learnings (and mistakes) from Season 1 of the podcast, the inside growth stories at Verbatim and Platter, and how we’ve been able to balance high-volume content creation while building our own companies in tandem.
2024-03-1434 min
AdQuick Madvertising PodcastBen Sharf: co-founder of Platter on startups, ecommerce optimization and more | E35In Episode 35 of the AdQuick Madvertising podcast, Adam Singer sits down with the co-founder of Platter Ben Sharf to talk his startup, Shopify brands, ecommerce optimization and more.
2024-03-1337 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#024: Jack Raines - How to Build a 100K+ Audience Leveraging ContentJack Raines is one of the fastest-growing content creators on LinkedIn and X, with a combined audience of over 100,000 across channels. Based in New York City, Jack recently finished his MBA at Columbia Business School and is a full-time editor and creator at Sherwood Media.In this episode, we dive deep on Jack’s tactical lessons in audience growth, the outsized ROI on consistency and authenticity to break through the noise, and why he thinks Business School is a contrarian bet in 2024.
2024-03-0755 min
New Money TalksMindset of a D1 Athlete: The Sport of Entrepreneurship | Ben Sharf | NMT Ep72
In this episode, we talk about early startups and how fitness and business work hand in hand
Our guest Ben dives into what is Platter, correlation between business and health, managing a high output content machine.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a biohacking nerd, a high performing employee, you will not want to miss this episode!
-
CONNECT WITH Ben:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bensharf/
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenSharf
👔 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sharf-b554a5b3/
🌐 Work With Platter: https://www.platter.co/
-
CONNECT WITH NEW MONEY TALKS:
New Money Talks Socials: https://linktr.ee/newmoneytalk...
2024-03-061h 01
Beyond The WealthQuitting His Corporate Job To Launching A Shopify Company | Ben SharfIn this episode, we sit down with Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, and we dive into Ben Sharf's journey from leaving a corporate job on his start date to pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams and rapidly growing a company. We discuss the real commitment and passion required for entrepreneurship, the importance of focus and quick decision-making in business negotiations, and the impact of becoming sober on personal and professional life. Ben Sharf shares valuable insights on balancing multiple business interests, the addictive nature of creating content, and the parallels between being high-intensity athletes and successful entrepreneurs. Join us as we...
2024-03-0554 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#023: Zach Pogrob - Building the Brand of Obsession to 2M+ FollowersZach Pogrob is an athlete, entrepreneur, and creator focused on a single word: obsession. He is one of the fastest-growing creators in the world, with over 2 million followers across platforms. In this episode, we unpack why Zach is doubling down on the obsession brand, why fitness and health are fundamental parts of his journey, tactical recommendations to growing an audience and creative platform, and why New York City is the best place to build a global movement.
2024-03-0154 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#022: Seth Goldstein - The Incredible Rise of Masa Chips: 250,000 Bags In 12 MonthsSeth Goldstein is Co-Founder of Ancient Crunch, a family of brands focused on building new-age health foods for the modern consumer. After launching in 2023, Masa Chips - the company’s flagship product - exploded onto the wellness scene and has already sold over 250,000 bags.In this episode, we cover Seth’s personal wellness journey, why more consumers are ditching seed oils, raising capital from top health investors, and Masa’s record-breaking growth to date.
2024-02-221h 03
The Turning Pro Podcast#021: Ronak Trivedi - How Pietra is Reshaping a $250B Ecommerce MarketRonak Trivedi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pietra, one of the fastest-growing companies in the commerce infrastructure space. The platform helps creators and brands connect with suppliers, design products, and set up their e-commerce storefronts. Ronak recently closed a $15M Series A from Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz among others to double down on its growth.In this episode, we cover how the creator economy is rapidly evolving, Pietra’s insanely ambitious 10-year growth plan, and why he decided to raise venture capital for his vision.
2024-02-081h 13
The Turning Pro Podcast#020: Natassia Miller - Reinventing the Future of Consumer WellnessNatassia Miller is the Founder and CEO of Wonderlust, a sexual wellness company for couples based in New York City. Natassia previously co-founded Evolna, a health and wellness company scaling a new movement modality focused on mental health and body neutrality. In this episode, we cover how partners should communicate, the intersection of ecommerce and sexual wellness, and content creation within an outdated and stigmatized health industry.
2024-02-011h 12
The Turning Pro Podcast#019: Zack Holland - How to Turn Failures Into $100M StartupsZack Holland is the Founder and CEO of SelectFew, a platform that brings transparency, accountability, and performance to marketing by leveraging AI and data. To date, SelectFew has helped over 200+ customers, ranging from venture-backed startups to large enterprises.In this episode, we cover Zack’s serial entrepreneurship journey, launching and scaling multiple million-dollar businesses, and how he uses failure to his advantage for company building.
2024-01-2550 min
The D2Z PodcastChallenges and Myths of E-commerce with Ben Sharf - 91In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso, engages in a compelling discussion about the world of e-commerce with Ben Sharf, the founder of Platter, a Shopify theme and app bundle. Delve into the world of e-commerce optimization from a Gen Z perspective as they discuss the challenges of app overload, consolidation, and enhancing the customer shopping experience. Discover how Platter simplifies e-commerce functionality, saving money, and boosting conversion rates.Ben Sharf shares his journey, from his college hockey days to his involvement with an early-stage COVID testing startup, and later, his...
2024-01-2440 min
THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast with Jason GreenwoodE322:🎙️BUILDING A NEW KIND OF SHOPIFY BRAND SUCCESS ACCELERATOR | BEN SHARF - PLATTER | THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast
Ben (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sharf-b554a5b3) is Co-Founder of Platter - https://www.platter.co
Platter is an eCommerce success accelerator for Shopify merchants
Platter provides a turn-key high performing Shopify theme and app based suite of functionality that ensures high conversion rates, low friction and high customer retention out of the box
Platter sets merchants up for success on Shopify from day 1
In this episode, Jason & Ben discuss how the Platter team identified a gap in the current Shopify ecosystem where new (and established) merchants and their partners treated each implementation as a bespoke solution and...
2024-01-1948 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#018: Tommy Clark - How to Build a Profitable Social Content Engine in 2024Tommy Clark is the Founder & CEO of Compound, a social media agency focused on B2B executives and founders. Previously, Tommy served as Head of Social at Tripe Whale – one of the fastest growing ecommerce infrastructure companies in the broader Shopify ecosystem.In this episode, we cover his rapid social growth over the past 2 years, tactical playbooks for building a B2B social function, and his own turning pro journey while launching his agency.
2024-01-1835 min
The Turning Pro PodcastEpisode #017: Ron Shah - Stress & Sacrifice Behind Obvi’s $40M SuccessRon Shah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Obvi, a health and wellness brand dedicated to making the most transparent products on the market - without sacrificing taste. He’s also the Co-Host of Chew On This, a fast growing media company focused on CPG and ecommerce growth, and an active advisor to tech companies like Parker and Finaloop, among others in the ecomm space.In this episode, we cover how to manage stress as a founder, the importance of generosity while networking, turning hobbies into companies, and committing to projects over the long-term.
2024-01-111h 11
The Turning Pro Podcast#017: Ron Shah - Stress & Sacrifice Behind Obvi’s $40M SuccessRon Shah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Obvi, a health and wellness brand dedicated to making the most transparent products on the market - without sacrificing taste. He’s also the Co-Host of Chew On This, a fast growing media company focused on CPG and ecommerce growth, and an active advisor to tech companies like Parker and Finaloop, among others in the ecomm space.In this episode, we cover how to manage stress as a founder, the importance of generosity while networking, turning hobbies into companies, and committing to projects over the long-term.
2024-01-111h 11
The Turning Pro Podcast#016: Yacine Sibous - Hypergrowth Lessons from Raising $157MYacine Sibous is the Co-Founder of Parker, a corporate card-focused fintech company targeting ecommerce brands. Earlier in 2023, the New York-based startup announced a massive $157 million funding round - across both equity and debt - to accelerate their impressive growth.In this episode, we cover Yacine’s path towards financial independence, lessons learned from Y Combinator’s Paul Graham, balancing heath and hard work, and the reality of high performers.
2024-01-0453 min
Ecommerce Coffee Break – The Ecom Marketing & Sales PodcastHow To Build A High-Converting Storefront Cheaper And Faster | #273 Ben SharfIn this podcast episode, we discuss how you can build a high-converting storefront cheaper and faster. Our featured guest on the show is Ben Sharf, co-founder and co-CEO at Platter.co.Topics discussed in this episode:How important is it for an ecommerce store to have a high converting storefrontWhat are the advantages of having a streamlined app and theme integration for an ecommerce storeHow Platter.co's onboarding processes cater to both smaller budget and enterprise level ecommerce brandsWhat role does page speed play in the conversion rates of an ecommerce store
2024-01-0419 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#015: Steph Liu - The Secrets Behind Scaling $100M BrandsSteph Liu is the Founder and CEO of Levitate Foundry, the largest female-founded Shopify Plus Partner in North America that has helped grow hundreds of mid-sized brands. Based in Austin, Steph is also an active angel investor and entrepreneur - with more businesses in the pipeline.In this episode, we cover how Steph scaled Levitate into one of the fastest-growing agencies in the country, how to balance work and life fulfillment, and why she keeps launching new brands.
2023-12-281h 02
The Shane White ShowEp. #222 - Ben Sharf (Platter.co)Ben Sharf is the cofounder of Platter.co
https://www.platter.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sharf-b554a5b3/
The Shane White Show is now proudly brought you by ROUTINE! Head over to yourroutine.com and try their newest product "Morning Routine". Use code "ShaneWhite30" at checkout for 30% off your first order!
Today's episode is brought to you by NeuRoast - Mushroom Coffee! Use Code "ShaneWhite" for 30% off your order from Neuroast.com
Sponsor Links:
Routine - http://yourroutine.com
NeuRoast - https://www.neuroast...
2023-12-2256 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#014: Tom Worcester - Why New York is the Center of AmbitionTom Worcester is the Founder and CEO of Lunchbox, which is now one of the leaders in wearable gear built to improve live event experiences. In addition, Tom serves as a community advisor to high-growth software startups like Northbeam that live at the intersection of online retail & digital commerce and hosts an exclusive dinner series called 'Operators Only'.In this episode, we cover Tom’s entrepreneurial journey in New York, building businesses with multiple synergies, mental health, and the personal sacrifices needed to build a company.
2023-12-211h 05
The Turning Pro Podcast#013: Sneh Parmar - The Art of Delegation for High-Performing FoundersSneh Parmar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky, a software platform that enables retailers and brands to work together to get products to consumers quicker. In 2022, Sneh and his team raised $3 million from Unusual Ventures and a host of founders in commerce infrastructure. In this episode, we cover the art and science of delegation and how it enables high-performing founders, time management tactics for entrepreneurs, and key GTM strategies for B2B startups.
2023-12-141h 00
The Turning Pro Podcast#012: Chaz Flexman - The Future of Data-Driven Brands at Starday FoodsChaz Flexman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Starday Foods, where he’s building the next great food & beverage conglomerate using a customer focused, data centric approach. Previously, Chaz was on the founding team at Pattern Brands and a Partner at Andreessen Horowitz in SF.In this episode, we cover why Chaz believes in coaching and therapy, shifting consumer habits for healthy food options, and Starday Foods’ inherent data model advantages for massive scale.
2023-12-071h 06
The Turning Pro Podcast#011: Tyler Swartz - How Endorphins Disrupted the Status Quo of Brand BuildingTyler Swartz is the Founder and CEO of Endorphins, one of the fastest growing running communities in the United States. Previously, Tyler was a Principal Investor at AlphaMiner and the Director of Product at LEX, a commercial real estate marketplace based in New York City.In this episode, we cover how running completely reshaped Tyler’s life, why more brands are being built out of tight-knit communities, and his own transition from investor to founder.
2023-12-011h 01
DTC POD: How The Best Brands Are Built#299 - Ben Sharf, Platter - How To Build A Storefront To Convert Millions In SalesEpisode brought to you by More Staffing & Capital OneNeed a new business card? Get in touch with our friend at Capital One Heather Clohessy - heather.clohessy@capitalone.comJoin 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC pod we cover:1. Shopify's Ecosystem of Apps2. Home page experience3. Cart and Checkout4. Tools and Strategies provided by Platter5. Importance of Social Proof in E-Commerce6. Recommendations for Brands7. What to build natively into...
2023-11-3043 min
The Turning Pro Podcast#010: Sam Miller - Uncovering the Hidden Secrets of Founders & High-PerformersSam Miller is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kasheesh, a consumer fintech startup that allows users to split any payment across multiple debit and credit cards. At Kasheesh, Sam has raised funding from a stellar roster of investors, including VC firms Tribe Capital, Anthemis and Courtside Ventures alongside Odell Beckham Jr, Sahil Bloom, and Robin Wright. In this episode, we cover Sam’s approach to conflict resolution and problem-solving in the startup realm, building and selling multiple businesses from a young age, and the tactical secrets and habits of the highest-performing founders he’s met.
2023-11-161h 08
The Turning Pro Podcast#009: Max Siegelman - Facing Your Fears, Engineered Virality, and Building ConfidenceMax Siegelman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Siegelman Stable, a racing & luxury sports fashion brand based in New York. Previously he served as Head of Cultural Relevance at Outfront Media. In this episode, we cover how Max and his partner built Siegelman Stable from scratch with a focus on organic virality and high-quality goods, how to build confidence through repetition, and why more people need to focus and face down their fears.
2023-11-0958 min
Coffee & A Good VibeHow To Find Your Why, Take Charge Of Your Life & Content Creation At Scale with Ben SharfBen Sharf (@bensharf) is a super-connector & a true expert in the tech & creator industries.
He’s a founder of Platter (@getplatter) - a white-glove toolkit for increasing profitability on any Shopify store - and a co-host of the Turning Pro Podcast (@turningpropod) that features top founders & creators discussing personal & business growth.
In addition to these business ventures, Ben recently launched a YouTube channel (@birthdayseries) along with Ryan Foss-Skiftesvik (@ryangfoss).
By giving up a corporate job offer 12 hours before the start date, Ben took a leap of faith to pursue his calling of being an...
2023-11-071h 01
The Turning Pro Podcast#008: Jess Cervellon - The Argument for Trusting Your Intuition & Natural InstinctsJess Cervellon is the VP of Customer Experience at Feastables. Based in Chicago, Jess is obsessed with helping brands create CX strategies to build customer-centric cultures that drive trust and loyalty from day one. In this episode, we cover the importance of making decisions while trusting your intuition and instincts, why Jess left her corporate job to take a risk in the startup ecosystem, and her argument for pushing through discomfort to reach outsized success.
2023-11-021h 06
The Turning Pro Podcast#007: Samir Shergill - Raising Millions to Build the Next Generation of DTC BankingSamir Shergill is the Co-Founder and CEO of Highbeam, a neobank for fast-growing Shopify brands. They’ve raised over $7 million dollars in funding from some leading early-stage venture funds including FirstMark Capital and Mayfield.In this episode, we cover Samir’s real-time fundraising journey, why ecommerce brands have been largely failed by traditional banking options, his internal process to make tough decisions, and taking a leap of faith to build Highbeam.
2023-10-261h 06
The Turning Pro Podcast#006: Matt Mullenax - 3 AM Wake Up Calls and Unlocking Growth Through DisciplineMatt Mullenax is the Co-Founder and CEO of Huron, a New York-based consumer brand built on the premise of making great men’s personal care products. The startup aims to help guys help themselves by providing grooming essentials that actually get the job done.In this episode, we cover Matt’s daily fitness regimen and early morning routine, his ‘turning pro’ moment of launching Huron to the public, and the outsized value of investing in the right relationships with other founders.
2023-10-201h 02
The Turning Pro Podcast#005: Kelsey Moreira - Quitting Alcohol, Getting Sober, and Selling $13,000,000 of ProductKelsey Moreira is the Founder of Doughp, a fast-growing edible cookie dough company that has scaled incredibly quickly over the past 5 years - with a notable feature on Shark Tank.In this episode, we cover why Kelsey got sober, the depths of her mental health journey, and how she’s leveraged this experience to scale a startup and sell over $13 millions dollars worth of product to date.
2023-10-051h 02
The Turning Pro Podcast#004: Anna Whiteman - Designing Your Physical Environment for Optimal HappinessAnna Whiteman is a Principal at Coefficient Capital, a venture fund based in NYC that leads early growth investments in digitally powered consumer brands – including household names like Magic Spoon, Oatly, Hodinkee, and Hawthorne, among countless others.In this episode, we cover how to design your physical environment for optimal happiness, why she decided to move out of Manhattan to New Jersey, and her own ‘turning pro’ moment.
2023-09-2854 min